Reflective lays out solar geoengineering research plan

Reflective, a San Francisco nonprofit that funds solar geoengineering research, has released an SAI Research Roadmap intended to identify the studies, experiments, and infrastructure needed for informed decisions about stratospheric aerosol injection. The approach would release reflective particles into the stratosphere to mimic volcanic cooling, but major questions remain about how well it would work and what side effects it could produce.

The plan begins with simulations, lab studies, and better observational tools to understand baseline stratospheric conditions and possible effects on regions, ecosystems, ocean circulation, ice sheets, and crop yields. Later stages call for outdoor experiments that would release sulfur dioxide in escalating amounts, with stage gates meant to halt work if results show weak effects, worrying downsides, or unresolved uncertainties.

The proposal remains contentious. Since 2002, hundreds of academics have backed calls for a ban on outdoor experiments and an international non-use agreement, arguing that governance and equity questions cannot be solved through technical research alone. Supporters say carefully designed experiments are needed to avoid decisions being made under climate pressure with too little evidence.